Achaemenid Persian Lion Rhyton

A rhyton is a kind of vessel which normally has the shape of an animal's head or horns. These vessels were common in middle east Asia and ancient Greece.[1]

Early Iranians had rhytons with an animal head at the end of the vessel; Later in Achaemenid period the animal part of the rhyton was usually located in front of it and has a 90 degree angle to the vessel.

The rhyton has been created in 500 B.C by estimates. It has 6.7 in. height (about 17 cm.) and is totally made up of gold. The different parts of the artifact are joined together by soldering so skilfully done that observers can't even see any trace. It was believed by people that if someone drinks a little bit of the vessel's content, he/she could acquire superhuman powers.